North Canterbury > Hunting News May 2009

Hunters reported a “better than average” opening weekend.

Saturday at Lake Ellesmere was good for hunters as the ducks were flying lower and seeking shelter around the edges of the lake. Hunters that were hunting for the first few hours in the morning achieved bags of 5 – 10 while those hunters that stayed for the rest of the day did very well, with one pair of hunters reporting a bag of 30 odd ducks. North of Christchurch, there was good hunting around private ponds.  Generally hunters were well behaved and happy to see rangers with only one hunter was found to be unlicensed. Unfortunately, there was one, rather high profile incident, which is been vigorously pursued. 

As the season progresses, the unsettled weather and constant procession of North West and South West winds has been good for duck hunters.  As the season progresses, the flooding of braided rivers and the hunting around private ponds means that birds move to Lake Ellesmere where the unsettled weather keeps them accessible for hunters. With 9-10 weeks left in the season, and plenty of birds, there is ample opportunity for more good duck hunting.

The Pheasant hunting season runs over the 6-7 June 2009. This highly anticipated event is like another opening weekend and has a strong following around the region.

Ross Millichamp, Fish & Game Officer, Fish & Game NZ North Canterbury

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